Children should be able to identify sounds they hear at the beginning, middle or end of a word. It’s much easier to start by having them listen to sounds at the beginning of a word, then the end and finally in the middle of a word.

Here are some activities to try.

What sounds do you hear when you listen to words?
Tell me those sounds; pay attention to what you've heard.

What sound do you hear at the beginning of the words?

What sounds do you hear when you listen to words?
Tell me those sounds; pay attention to what you've heard.

What sound do you hear at the end of the words?

What sounds do you hear when you listen to words?
Tell me those sounds; pay attention to what you've heard.

Sort out objects and pictures by beginning, middle and ending sounds such as: /b/, /c/, and /t/. They put the objects in baskets labeled with the beginning letter. “I have a turtle. It goes in the T basket.” “This cup goes in the C basket.” This will help your child is begin to learn about relationships between letters and sounds.

Say a list of three words: mouse,  man, and cup.  Ask “Which one doesn’t belong?” (cup, because it has a different first sound).

Think of as many words as you can that start with the /s/ sound as in "snake."